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After months and months of pulling out my hair because I had no ideas…. I finally found what I was going to do for my invitations. I wanted something vintage looking, with various elements and a uniqueness to each piece.
Thanks to Mr. Flamingo, the ball started rolling with just 5 little words, “Why not use a chandelier?” Why didn’t I think of that? Honestly I did, but I was afraid that the whole movie aspect was lacking. In the end, I’m really happy with the outcome.
La piece de resistance….
(click on the image to enlarge)
The invitation is a classic A7 single card (printed on both sides). First things first - I knew I wanted a pattern because they are pretty… but mostly since it would play an important role in our cake design (explanation coming soon). Secondly, I wanted the invitation to have movement, that’s why I didn’t place all the text flush left 
For the RSVP I decided to go the Postcard route. I think this is an excellent idea for all you eco-friendly brides. Cost efficient and less paper… what could be better than that.I kept the idea of the pattern to keep a consistency in the design. As for the other side, I found an image of an old clock (which happened to be NYC) and with the use of Live Trace in Adobe Illustrator CS2, I was able to create this unique vector image. I love the feel of transforming a photo to a vector… it automatically makes it more vintage looking.
Since we are getting married at a hotel, I needed accommodations card to advise our guests of special rates. I really love this piece… maybe it’s because of the vintage looking hotel on the card. I bascially used the same steps to transform a photo to a vector image.The colors might change slightly depending on the color of the envelopes. And of course some tweaking will occur… but overall I love it. I am really happy with the outcome. Now I just have to do the french ones.
So what do you think?
On a side note - Now I have to design my other stationery elements: menu, place cards and thank you cards. Any suggestions on what type of imagery I should use? Maybe a mailbox, or a food dome for the menus?
Fabulous! LOVE them!
I’d carry the chandelier over to the menus…
those are beautiful!
Just when I think I know what I want to do for the invitations, I see something as lovely as this!
Can I be nosey, and ask for details on how you got them printed? Did you do them at home, or with a printing company? If at home, what kind of printer do you have? If a company, what type of file did you end up with?
Sorry to be a pain, but the printing aspect is my main worry now. I can get something good on the screen … it’s just how to get it on to paper!
… ooh, also, apart from the Live Trace option, is it really worth getting Illustrator, or should I power on with Photoshop?
Love. Love. LOVE.
Illustration ideas:
Vintage place settings (I’m imagining ornate silverware) for menu
White glove removing a food dome for menu
Chandelier on the place cards
I’ve been looking into Illustrator lately, and now, I WANT.
Thanks everyone for the comments. Im really really happy with them. Thank Goodness… otherwise Id still be in front of my computer…
lou - I’m getting them printed at a printshop. Because especially with dark colors (lots of ink) its not cost efficient to print them at home. It will most probably be on a laser (though at times the colors can be inconsistent… I will proof them before - of course)
As for your question - I prefer Illustrator over photoshop, but it really depends what you want to do with it.
those are so beautiful & elegant! I think they’re just perfect!
I really love what you’ve done! Can I ask what size card you used for the Accommodation and RSVP cards? How did you decide on the proportions?
Thanks for your help!
As for the other design ideas, I like the idea of using a couple of specific pics, like the vintage silverware for the menus, but for the rest I’d just stick with the damask and chandelier … you don’t want too many different things.
Those are fabulous!! I have no ideas for the rest of the items needing designing, not that creative. But I must say you are amazing. Those are the most unique invites and accompaniments I’ve ever seen. Love everything about them. Have you considered designing invites as a business? If so, can I be your first customer? =)
KEM - To answer your questions…
A postcard is generally 4 x 6 inches… but since my invitation is 5 x 7 I thought it was too close in size so I made it 3.5 x 5.5. You have to make sure that it is at least 5.5 otherwise it might not go through the mail.
For the accomodation cards I went for 3.5 x 5 (only 0,50 less than the postcard.
I love them! I agree with cab07 - you have to incorporate that chandelier in some of your other wedding paper products!
Maybe pull the clock in from the RSVP cards as well? Those are both very strong images.
Aha! We have confirmation that you and Shortcake have formed a Canadian Chandelier Cult– bent on converting your southern neighbors to your behind-the-number dollar signs and Euro-influenced spellings (cheque, tonne, colour!) We poor simple Americans will be mesmerized by the tinkling crystals and the dancing refracted rainbows! 
But seriously…. great job and congrats!
I had the same idea as Kate about ornate silverware for the menu image. What about a pretty chair or even a chaise lounge (a la a reclining movie star) for the place cards?
they’re gorgeous! you did a great job on the design!
Just one tiny thing–and only since it seems like you haven’t already printed them yet: You might want to take into consideration how they’ll mail. Specifically, the RSVP postcards look like they might not have enough space across the bottom that’s blank–so you might get stuck with the post office putting stickers on them to coat with the bar code…. which is OK, since you’ll be the one on the receiving end–but you might just move things up higher a little if you want to save the returned RSVPs.
I could be wrong, though–designing for mail is a pain, and I’m still learning the ins & outs…
I love the picture of the clock, and the whole set overall. I think it’s really beautiful!
Good point Brendalynn… I will bring a sample to the post office before sending it to print.
Indigo - I’ll get back to you on your question
Gorgeous! I love the clock & the hotel images. They all look so cohesive and beautiful…well done!
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Mrs. Flamingo, Montreal, Canada Age and Occupation: 25, Graphic Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Nursing Student Engagement Date: December 2004 Wedding Date: June 21, 2008 Venue: Imperia Hotel (modern chic hotel) About Me: I am a passionate designer who loves anything pretty. I heart all paper products (eco-friendly of course). My passion revolves around anything considered glamour; vintage and modern. In my free time, I love reading Martha mags, designing jewelry and making a pit-stop at Starbucks for a chai latte. I'm also a chocoholic at heart and my family drools over my homemade truffles.
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